Challenges and opportunities of short food supply chains in Spain: A stakeholder participatory study

Abstract

In food distribution, trends are emerging that seek to reduce the number of agents involved, promoting short supply chains (SFSCs). In response to that, the objective of this research is double: analysing the level of consumer awareness, use and willingness to pay for products being distributed through SFSCs and on the basis of the information obtained, analysing the issues that producers employing these channels are facing with the aim of using this information to design strategies to help the production sector. We have employed a qualitative approach and organised 12 focus groups including consumers and producers from various Spanish towns, with discussions being carried out between March and July 2022. The outcomes reveal that, producers and consumers recognize benefits in these channels but note barriers like lack of consumer information and access inconveniences. Consumers show less inclination for SFSC purchases, especially for delicate (meats) or infrequent (wine) products, preferring supermarkets. Finally, the participants highlight price and online channel inconvenience as main limitations, echoed by producers. In order to promote short food supply chains, it would be essential to overcome the barriers identified in this study by implementing strategies focused on information, accessibility, price competitiveness and optimisation of the purchasing process. These actions will not only offer advantages to both consumers and producers, but will also boost the local economy. In addition, this study's findings can help in the design of public policies that promote SFSCs and encourage their adoption.